deafness (defnes)

He answered that it was impo ible for him to hear a man three yards off, by reason of deafne that had held him fourteen years. State Trials , Earl of Str afford, an. 1640. 2. Unwillingne to hear; voluntary rejection of what is addre ed to the ear or to the understanding. I found such a deafne that no declaration from the bishops could take place. Eikon Basilike . Boiler-makers' deafne , deafne due to occupation in the midst of loud and continuous noises, as in the case of a boiler-maker. It is marked by catarrh of the middle ear, with more or le nervous exhaustion.